A.J. Brown is headed to injured reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain in New England's Week 1 loss to Seattle. The move guarantees at least a four-game absence and removes Drake Maye's No. 1 receiver from the Patriots' offense for the next month.

Brown managers should move him into an IR spot immediately where league settings allow it rather than dropping him. His absence creates additional opportunity in New England's passing game.

Brown suffered the ankle injury during Wednesday night's opener against Seattle. An MRI confirmed a high-ankle sprain, and New England is placing him on injured reserve.

Brown cannot return for at least four games.

The injury immediately changes the Patriots' receiving hierarchy and removes the centerpiece New England acquired to give Maye an established No. 1 target.

This isn't just a Brown injury. It's a significant change to New England's passing environment. Brown remains an IR stash, while the Patriots' target distribution becomes one of the most important roles to track over the next several weeks.